'Not impossible' - O'Brien leaves door open for Irish Derby team to run at Epsom

Aidan O'Brien has not ruled out the possibility of an unconventional and quick return for some of his Irish Derby team at Epsom next Saturday, although any decision over entries will not be taken until Monday.

Santiago gave O'Brien a 14th Irish Derby win on Saturday evening at the Curragh, with the winner's unexposed stablemates Tiger Moth, Dawn Patrol and Order Of Australia giving the Ballydoyle trainer a dominant 1-2-3-4 in the Classic.

O'Brien indicated this week that Hampton Court winner Russian Emperor, Irish 2,000 Guineas second Vatican City and Mogul, who disappointed at Royal Ascot, were set to be in the trainer's Investec Derby team, with Amhran Na Bhfiann and Mythical also mentioned in addition to Armory, who has been described as a possible runner due to the option of the Prix du Jockey Club a day later.

However, speaking on Luck on Sunday, O'Brien did not rule out Santiago or any of those beaten in the Irish Derby from another Classic date just seven days on.

Santiago (left) beat stablemate Tiger Moth in Saturday's Irish DerbyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He said: "It’s very possible. I spoke to John [Magnier], Michael [Tabor] and Derrick [Smith] yesterday and the entries are being made on Monday. They’ll wait to see what everybody thinks before they decide to make an entry or not. If any of them have come out of the race exceptionally well and they want to make an entry, then that’s what will happen.

“They didn’t do much today but they’ll do a canter tomorrow. I’m sure we’ll speak sometime through the morning and then see what they want to do, but it’s not impossible. Nothing is definitely ruled out."

O'Brien's two Classic-winning fillies Love and Peaceful are set to clash for the first time in the Investec Oaks on Saturday, with Newmarket winner Love the 13-8 ante-post favourite and Curragh victor Peaceful available at 7-1.

"Love's working towards the Oaks and Peaceful is as well, and then the two fillies who were second and third in the Ribblesdale [Ennistymon and Passion] – that’s also their plan at the moment," said O'Brien. "They’re the ones who are on that programme."

Investec Derby betting

bet365: 5-2 English King, 7-2 Kameko, 7 Russian Emperor, 9 Vatican City, 10 Mogul, 16 Al Aasy, First Receiver, Highland Chief, Pyledriver, Santiago, 20 bar

Investec Oaks betting

bet365: 6-4 Love, 5-2 Frankly Darling, 6 Peaceful, 7 Alpine Star, 8 Franconia, 10 Domino Darling, Fancy Blue, Quadrilateral, Raabihah, 14 Ennistymon, So Wonderful, 16 bar

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